Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative Dispute Resolution

In trying to reach an acceptable resolution in most kinds of family law disputes, the use of an alternate dispute resolution vehicle can be most effective. It may seem that your problems have gone way beyond trying to talk it out, but there are a lot of great reasons to try mediation services.

Mediation is frequently successful in resolving family law issues. Rather than waiting for a court to resolve your problems, mediation can be done very quickly. The cost of mediation is very reasonable when compared with the cost of going through the court system. In my experience, the results from mediation are almost always more acceptable to the parties than a court ruling. Finally, the stress and emotional impact of mediation is far less than going to trial.

In every case, mediation allows both sides to air their issues, test the waters for any and all ideas that might resolve the dispute, and get the guidance and feedback from a very experienced mediator. Getting the “reality check” from such an experienced person is very helpful in getting to a final agreement. I would estimate that more than 70% of my cases are resolved in mediation.

Even if you are unable to get the issues resolved in mediation, you will be much closer to understanding exactly what issues are keeping you apart. This can really help focus your future negotiations, and still bring about a much more appropriate final resolution to your dispute.

Working with your attorney, mediation is both cost effective, expedient, and really helps preserve your future relationship with the other party. Courts can and will decide issues, but often neither side is happy with the outcome. This can cause future disputes, and make it difficult to work with the other party. Mediation helps create a sense of ownership in the final solution, and this is a great first step to resolving future disputes.